Germany's Philipp Lahm, left, and Thomas Mueller applaud after the group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. Germany won the match 4-0.

(Bernat Armangue/AP)

Germany's Philipp Lahm, left, and Thomas Mueller applaud after the group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. Germany won the match 4-0.

Your daily World Cup tip sheet for who’s playing when, and what to watch for. We'll deliver a new briefing the evening before every game day, highlighting the can't-miss match and which players to watch.

Match of the day: Germany vs.
Ghana

Germany made a major statement in an easy 4-0 win over
Portugal, setting the pace in the difficult Group G. Die
Mannschaft not only sliced through the Portuguese defence
without breaking a sweat, they also showed enough defensive
might to shut down Ronaldo and friends completely. It was
the most complete 90-minute effort any side has shown in
Brazil. Ghana is coming off a tough loss to the U.S., a
thriller decided on a late goal by American substitute John
Brooks. The Black Stars will look to continue the
domination they showed in the second half of that physical
affair, but with better results. A good place to start
would be inserting German-born striker Kevin-Prince Boateng
(Schalke) and AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien in the
starting lineup.

Christophe Ena / AP

Player to watch: Germany’s Philipp
Lahm

There’s no question that this German team is stacked
with young, diverse talent, but the veteran Bayern Munich
captain remains the side’s most important player. He’s
versatile enough to play at right-back or as a holding
midfielder and his soccer IQ is off the charts. Lahm’s
brand of soccer is short on highlight-reel material, but
you’d be hard pressed to name a more consistent and
reliable player.